Taiwan Resolves F-16V Jet Technical Issues, Expects Full Delivery by 2026

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense announced on Friday that technical difficulties with the order of 66 F-16V jets have been resolved, and the government expects to receive all the aircraft by the end of 2026.

This update was provided in a written response to an inquiry from Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Lo Chih-chiang concerning delays in the U.S. delivery of $20 billion worth of weapons systems purchased by Taiwan. The delay has been partially attributed to the U.S. prioritizing the supply of weapons to Ukraine, local media reported.

Citing a Wall Street Journal report, Lo mentioned that the delayed items include F-16Vs, Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), and Patriot air defense missile systems.

The ministry stated that the production of the F-16V jets was delayed due to development and software integration issues related to equipment Taiwan wants installed in the aircraft. These issues have now been resolved, and production is underway. The jets are expected to be delivered by the December 2026 deadline, as specified in the contract.

The ministry also noted that it is working closely with teams from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense to ensure the timely delivery of the weapons. The contract includes compensation clauses that outline penalties for contractors who fail to meet delivery deadlines for non-force majeure reasons. In such cases, Taiwan would identify damages and issue a demand for compensation to the U.S. government through bilateral security channels.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo informed the legislature’s Foreign and National Defense Committee on June 17 that Taiwan expects to receive two F-16V prototypes in the fourth quarter of this year, after which the jets will undergo flight tests. Taiwan has demanded that the U.S. complete the order of 66 jets by the end of 2026.

On June 25, Taiwan signed an NT$11.25 billion ($345.5 million) contract with the U.S. for infrared search and track (IRST) systems for F-16V jets. The IRST systems would enhance the fighters' target acquisition, tracking capabilities, and overall air combat performance. These systems detect heat signatures from aircraft, providing an advantage over China’s new fighters with compact radar cross-sections.